Regulator to Implement Per Second Billing

Bolivia's telecoms regulator will implement a per second billing scheme for all mobile and fixed line operators in lieu of the current per minute system, local press reported.

The billing change came via a presidential decree that said the new system would provide better access to telecommunications for Bolivia's population.

Although an official announcement has not yet been made, local reports say the scheme will take effect 60 days after the notification.

Per second billing has long attracted the interest of consumer rights advocates and government legislators, US consultancy Yankee Group analyst Wally Swain previously told BNamericas.

However, most operators just raise their rates if obligated to use per second billing to cover the losses incurred, Swain said.

When the same issue came up in Colombia the solution was to offer both per second and per minute schemes and let the customer decide, the analyst added."

Posted to the site on 3rd January 2007